Suns reveal pre-draft player access

GOLD Coast has revealed the AFL assistance it will receive rather than priority picks.

The Suns will gain pre-draft access to three mature-age players that have previously nominated for the draft or been on an AFL list.

Carlton and Gold Coast were on Monday denied a priority pick by the AFL Commission but the Suns are happy with the result.

Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans said the club was striving to improve its on field and off field player development.

"We wish to thank the AFL Commission for their understanding and support through this process, we feel the Commission have a full understanding of the challenges we have already faced and acted upon, and those challenges that we will be addressing during the next phase of club's journey," he told the club website.

Tim Kelly has been a mature-age success at Geelong.

"As part of that we know we need to develop an environment and build a football program that thrives in the future, and our new football department led by Stuart Dew, Jon Haines and Craig Cameron are up for that challenge.

"The competition assistance provided to the club by the AFL Commission presents us with an opportunity to look at more mature players and that's what we will do.

"The additional category A rookie positions grant us more flexibility with our list as we bring in these mature players."

The Suns have also been granted two additional Category A rookie list places.

Carlton is expected to receive similar assistance.

BEST STATE-LEAGUE PLAYERS

Michael Gibbons (Williamstown/VFL)

Won his second JJ Liston Trophy as the VFL's best-and-fairest. Surely this is his time.

Mitch Grigg (Norwood/SANFL)

Almost single-handedly won Norwood the SANFL Grand Final. Such was his performance he was named best on ground in a losing team.

Josh Corbett (Werribee/VFL)

Shaping up a a potential replacement for Tom Lynch after a standout year in the VFL.

Shane McAdam (Sturt/SANFL)

Could be taken by Carlton as an early access pick and then traded back to Adelaide in exchange for Mitch McGovern.

Will Hayes (Footscary/VFL)

Could follow in the footsteps of Billy Gowers, Ben Long and Mitch Hannan would have graduated for the Dogs' VFL to the AFL.

Josh Clayton (Southport/NEAFL)

Led the Sharks to a NEAFL premiership after being delisted by Brisbane last year.